8 Key Resources for Alzheimer's Caregivers

March 31, 2016

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis affects the entire family. The patient and his family likely will have many questions. What causes this condition? How will it progress? Where can we get help managing our loved one’s day-to-day life?

As a senior care professional, you might deal with these types of questions from seniors and their family members almost daily. And the nature of those questions often evolves as the person’s dementia advances and her care needs escalate.

Whether your Alzheimer’s clients want general information or very specific advice, you can refer them to a robust, coordinated set of resources provided by Home Instead Senior Care® at HelpforAlzheimersfamilies.com . With assets ranging from books written by experts like Molly Carpenter to videos and live events moderated by caregiving authority Karen Garner to financial grants offered through a partnership with the charity founded by comedian Seth Rogan, these resources represent a library of valuable benefit for your clients.

For Clients Who Crave Knowledge

When your senior client or a family member says, “I don’t even know where to begin. What is this disease going to do to me?” or “I’m not a nurse. I don’t know how to give my wife a bath. Where can I learn this stuff?”, refer them to these resources.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Video Series. In this series of seven videos, noted geriatrician Dr. Jane Potter from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Home Instead Senior Care’s Laurie Owen offer information about the medical underpinnings of dementia diseases and practical tips on how to adapt to this diagnosis.

Confidence to Care Book. This book combines personal stories with practical techniques drawn from decades of caregiving experience from family caregivers, professional CAREGivers℠ within the Home Instead Senior Care network, and internationally recognized experts. All profits from this book will be donated to the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation and designated for dementia-related organizations and causes.

It can be scary to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease—both for the individual and for their loved ones. People with dementia may need to vent their sadness, fears and frustration. Their caregivers may experience stress related to a lack of confidence in their ability to handle all the challenges the disease presents.

When your clients express frustration, depression or a general need for moral support, try referring them to these resources:

Remember for Alzheimer’s Facebook community . In this online community, more than 260,000 members support each other with heartfelt empathy and practical caregiving tips gleaned from their own personal experiences. Moderators also post articles, studies and other useful information to help those who are struggling.

Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias Daily Companion App . This free app for iPhone and Android contains nearly 500 searchable pieces of advice on how to deal with dementia behaviors and situations, along with providing emotional support and other helpful resources. This app can function like a dose of confidence in the pocket of caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Friendly Business Training. This online course benefits people with Alzheimer’s and caregivers in two ways: it offers instant recognition of Alzheimer’s friendly places to shop and dine, and it provides valuable training to any business owner who wants to encourage the dementia community to patronize their business. When caregivers have a welcoming place to take a loved one with dementia, they help prevent the reduced quality of life associated with isolation.

For Clients Who Need Care Services

Even the best-intentioned family caregivers may eventually find they can’t “do it all” themselves anymore. And those who do soldier on likely could benefit from occasional respite care for their loved one.

However, many family caregivers feel they cannot afford professional senior care, even for a few hours. When clients express acute stress over their caregiving burden or financial concerns, you can confidently refer them to these resources for help.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Relief Program. Hilarity for Charity®, an organization founded by comedian Seth Rogen and his wife Lauren, partners with Home Instead Senior Care to provide in-home care grants to families providing Alzheimer’s caregiving throughout the United States and Canada. While not everyone who applies will receive a grant, the organization to date has funded over 24,000 hours of caregiving. Encourage your clients in need of financial assistance to apply for a grant.

If you have struggled in the past to find a coordinated suite of resources where you can refer clients who need help with Alzheimer’s caregiving, now you can confidently send them to the Help for Alzheimer’s Families website. With its hundreds of informative articles and videos, plus live chat events with dementia care experts, this hub enables you to quickly and easily help your clients with just the information they need at their stage of the Alzheimer’s journey.